CONTACT INFORMATIONCREDENTIALSAWARDSPUBLICATIONSDavid A. Dean, Ph.D.Contact InformationPhone NumbersAdministrative: (585) 275-5948Office: (585) 276-3933Office: (585) 756-7780Research LabsVisit Lab WebsiteLocationsUniversity of Rochester Medical CenterSchool of Medicine and Dentistry601 Elmwood Ave, Box 651Rochester, NY 14642Faculty AppointmentsProfessor - Department of Pediatrics , Neonatology (SMD) Professor - Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (SMD) - JointProfessor - Department of Biomedical Engineering (SMD) - JointBiographyResearchDespite all of the hype regarding gene therapy, at present, gene therapy is a dream due to insufficient levels of gene transfer and expression at desired sites. One way to increase gene expression is to target more DNA to the cell nucleus. Since the nucleus is the site of transcription, without the movement of plasmids through the cytoplasm, translocation into the nucleus, and localization to the appropriate subnuclear domain, no gene expression, or "gene therapy" can take place. Ongoing projects in my laboratory are studying the mechanisms of cytoplasmic trafficking of plasmids along the cytoskeleton, plasmid nuclear entry, subnuclear organization, and exploiting what we learn to improve gene therapy. We have shown that plasmids are able to enter the nucleus in a sequence-specific manner that appears to be mediated by transcription factor binding. My lab is interested in identifying the proteins required for this activity and the regulation of their nuclear import. Based on our model, we have created cell-specific plasmids by incorporating DNA sequences that bind to cell-specific transcription factors. At present, we have examples of smooth muscle, alveolar epithelial cell, and endothelial cell-targeting vectors that we hope to use for the treatment of a number of pulmonary diseases, and we are working to expand our repertoire to selectively target expression to any desired cell or tissue. We also are developing methods for extracellular delivery of non-viral vectors in animal models for disease. Using electroporation, we have obtained very high levels of gene expression in the vasculature and lungs of animals. We have used this approach to prevent and/or cure existing disease in models of acute lung injury and asthma in mice and rats. Our next goal is to optimize these approaches in more relevant preclinical models to move toward clinical application.CredentialsEducation1985BA | University of California at San DiegoBiochemistry1990PhD | University of California at BerkeleyMicrobiology1990PhD | University of California, BerkeleyMicrobiologyPost-doctoral Training & Residency1990 - 1994University of California, Los Angeles Postdoctoral Fellow VirologyAwards2019Keynote SpeakerSponsor: Electrostatic Society of America Annual MtgLocation: Rochester, NY2014ChairSponsor: Gordon Research Conference on Bioelectrochemistry2013Keynote SpeakerSponsor: Student Research DayLocation: SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY2012Co-ChairSponsor: Gordon Research Conference on Bioelectrochemistry2011Ruth A. Lawrence Academic Faculty Service Award in ResearchLocation: University of Rochester2006Mentoring the MentorsSponsor: Searle Center for Teaching ExcellenceLocation: Northwestern University2005Sandler Program for Asthma Research Senior InvestigatorSponsor: unsolicited conversion of award statusLocation: Northwestern University1991 - 1994NIH Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (NRSA)1984President's Undergraduate ScholarshipLocation: University of CaliforniaVIEW ALL expand_morePublicationsJournal Articles2/11/2023Gurunian A, Dean DA. "Multiple conductance states of lipid pores during Voltage-Clamp electroporation." Bioelectrochemistry.. 2023 Feb 11; 151:108396. Epub 2023 Feb 11. 5/19/2022Gurunian A, Dean DA. "Modeling and simulation of current-clamp electroporation." Bioelectrochemistry.. 2022 May 19; 147:108162. Epub 2022 May 19. 10/21/2021Liu J, Dean DA. "Gene transfer of MRCK? rescues lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by restoring alveolar capillary barrier function." Scientific reports.. 2021 Oct 21; 11(1):20862. Epub 2021 Oct 21. Books & Chapters2013 Chapter Title: Extracellular and Intracellular Barriers to Non-Viral Gene Transfer Book Title: Novel Gene Therapy Approaches Author List: Gottfried, L., and D. A. Dean Edited By: M. Wei and D. Good Published By: Intech Press 2013 in Rijecka, Croatia2013 Chapter Title: Electroporation-mediated Gene Delivery to the Lungs Book Title: Electroporation Protocols: Experimental and Clinical Medicine Author List: Young, J. L., M. Barravecchia, and D. A. Dean Edited By: S. Li Published By: Humana Press 2013 in Totowa, NJ2010 Chapter Title: Electrotransfer of DNA Book Title: Electroporation in Science and Medicine Author List: Escoffre, J. M., M. P. Rols, and D. A. Dean Edited By: S. Kee, E. Lee, and J. Gehl Published By: Springer 2010 in New York, NYVIEW ALL PUBLICATIONSClose WindowSchedule an appointment with David A. Dean, Ph.D.Please answer the following questions to help us find the right appointment for you.Important: If you believe that you have a medical or psychiatric emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. This website is not intended for emergency care.Have you seen this provider in the last 2 years?YesNoExisting Patient Schedule or request a follow up appointment online through MyChart. If you do not have a MyChart account, please close this window and call the appointment phone number. David A. Dean, Ph.D. is currently scheduling for the following appointment type(s): Our policy does not permit patients to establish care with multiple providers within the same practice or specialty without prior approval. If you choose a new provider in the same office, we will cancel the appointment. Please contact the office directly with questions on this policy.